England Hockey have specific recommendations regarding young umpires officiating senior hockey matches, as follows ..."It cannot be emphasised enough that England Hockey recommends that U18 umpires, other than those approved by the NYUAG and RYUAGs, do not umpire adult matches unless supervised by appropriately qualified and checked coaches/mentors.Welfare precautions should ensure the deployment of young umpires to games appropriate to their stage of development."Herts and Beds Hockey Umpiring Association, and specifically the HandBHUA CYUAG, support this policy fully.Any appointments of young umpires to senior or junior matches will only be made after careful consideration of the abilities, welfare and development needs of any young umpires concerned.